So, you’re looking for the best EDC gifts for someone in your life who loves everything everyday carry. Well, you’ve come to the right place! This list will cover our favorite gadgets, doohickeys, and the best travel gifts for people who love to blend EDC and airports. Before diving in, let’s review a few things.
What is Everyday Carry (EDC)?
The idea of everyday carry is simple. Basically, it’s gear that you often carry with you every day. However, in recent years, it has been transformed to include a subset of gear that is useful in everyday life, from commuting to work to charging on the go. In short, your everyday carry might not include modern everyday carry gear, but that’s what this post will feature. After all, the person you’re buying gifts for may enjoy getting items they may not have thought to buy themselves!
What makes something worthy of everyday carry?
EDC gear should function in more than one way to keep your packout lightweight, and you can get by with less gear that still has the same amount of functionality. For example, get a watch that also tracks your fitness. Or, go with a sling that has internal organization that can double as a tech pouch. Another favorite is getting a battery bank that can wirelessly charge devices like your AirPods or Apple Watch, so you don’t need to carry a separate charger for those. Less gear isn’t always better, but if you can get the same functionality from fewer items, why not go for it?
Is everyday carry gear travel gear?
Yes and no. Generally, we try to find travel gear that can do multiple things to save space and weight, similar to our mantra for EDC gear. Still, not all everyday carry options work well or can be used in travel. For example, some of the best multitools aren’t TSA-compliant, so you can’t take them on a plane. Or, a sling that makes sense to hold all your daily gear for commuting might be too large or heavy to bring with you on a trip. However, if it works for you every day, there’s a good chance it’ll work for you while traveling.
Why You Should Trust Us
After all, we’re a travel company; what do we know about EDC gear? Well, a lot! As mentioned, travel and everyday carry gear often blend, and the modern brands that sell both are frequently intertwined. Plus, we test everyday carry gear, like wallets, water bottles, and clothing. We’ve got our hands on thousands of pieces of gear that work for travel, EDC, and daily use. Simply put, we know a thing or two about everyday carry, and we’ve instilled that in this list!
- Ekster Modular Bifold
- Ekster Tool Card
- RovyVon Aurora A8 USB-C Keychain Flashlight
- Rolling Square TAU 2
- ALPAKA HUB Pouch
- Nite Ize Financial Tool Multi Tool Wallet
- SlimFold MICRO Soft Shell
- MODL Outdoors Infinity Tool 2.0
- Roaring Fire Smolder Waxed Canvas Organizer Pouch
- MUZEN Wild Go Bluetooth Speaker
- Matador BetaLock
- Flowfold Essentialist Mini Pouch
- NITECORE Carbo 10000 Power Bank
- Orbitkey Clip Mini
- Lumintop GT Nano
- NITECORE TIKI
- New Things Lab MEMO Whiteboard Wallet
- Fisher Space Pen Backpacker Space Pen
- Rolling Square inCharge X
- Tile Slim Tracker
Why we like it: It has a removable magnetic card sleeve for those who need more space
The Ekster Modular Bifold looks like a classic billfold; however, it has a few tricks up its sleeve. It utilizes environmentally certified leather, has a removable magnetic card sleeve, and is fully compatible with Ekster’s tracking devices, so they can add one of those to the gift wrap and make this a complete package. There’s no dedicated ID window; however, it’s easy to slide cards in and out. Plus, they can use the magnetic card sleeve as a standalone wallet for days they want to be even more of a minimalist.
Why we like it: It fits in most wallets, so they can take it anywhere
The Ekster Tool Card features eight tools for everyday life, travel, or commuting. The most useful one is the bottle opener, which makes it quick and easy to pop open a bottle of suds at a moment’s notice. The rules are handy, the SIM card tool is great for travel with physical phone cards, and the wrench is handy for cycling, though even the largest size won’t work with some bikes. Plus, the tool is the size of a credit card, so it’ll fit inside their wallet, and it’s crafted from stainless steel, so it won’t break anytime soon.
Why we like it: It maxes out at 650 lumens, which is a lot for its size
Though modern phones have flashlights, that doesn’t mean having a dedicated one isn’t a good idea. During more serious uses, like during a blackout, when trying to find their wedding band at night, or looking under the hood of their car, they will want something brighter and with a more concentrated beam. The RovyVon Aurora A8 USB-C Keychain Flashlight offers exactly that. With 650 lumens, USB-C charging, and extra function like a soft moonlight mode, this light is the perfect gift for anyone who wants something stronger than their phone, but that will still easily fit onto their keyring.
Why we like it: It fits on their keychain and isn't too bulky
The Rolling Square TAU 2 is the perfect gift for anyone who spends all day out and about, whether at work, going to the market, or a busy day of running errands. It’s a battery bank that fits on their keys, offering 2,000 mAh of charge, which will top off most modern cell phones. It has built-in cables, so they don’t have to bring extras to use with the power bank. Plus, it’s easy to recharge at night to be used again the next day. The Rolling Square TAU 2 enables safety for the modern work-and-play lifestyle, as they’ll never have to worry about their phone dying after a long day.
Why we like it: It's modular with the ALPAKA system, which is handy for fans of the brand
We’ve all got that friend who has every bit, bob, doo, and dad imaginable. What do you buy for this sort of person? Seriously, they’ve already got everything! Well, instead of trying to compete with what they already have, why not get them something to carry it all in? The ALPAKA HUB Pouch is the perfect case for smaller gear, like electronics and other accessories. It fully integrates into the ALPAKA modular system, making getting their gear from point A to point B easier. Plus, it looks sleek and technical, which most lovers of gizmos and gadgets will enjoy.
Why we like it: It's budget-friendly and has a ton of useful tools for everyday life
Tech bro meets plumber—it’s a match made in heaven! Jokes aside, the Nite Ize Financial Tool Multi Tool Wallet can stow cash and cards and the features to tighten bolts, open a beer, and screw things tight in a pinch. None of the tools are as easy to use as the ones they’ve got in their toolbox at home; however, most of those won’t fit into their pocket, either. Plus, the wallet comes in at a budget-friendly price point, so you can get your loved ones more gear that they’ll use or get yourself a Financial Tool Multi Tool Wallet with the savings.
Why we like it: It is one of the lightest and most dynamic wallets that we've tested
If you’re shopping for someone who loves minimalist wallets, the SlimFold MICRO Soft Shell is about as minimalist as it gets and remains one of the best-functioning wallets we’ve tested. SlimFold describes the Soft Shell material used on this wallet as a blend of GORE-TEX and Kevlar, meaning it’s highly durable and water resistant. Plus, it’s incredibly lightweight, coming in at a meager half-ounce. For such a tiny wallet, they can fit 12 cards and some cash, and it’s small enough to fit in even tiny front pockets. With added RFID protection, this thing is quite functional, especially for its size and price.
Why we like it: They can use it in everyday life, while camping, or while traveling
The MODL Outdoors Infinity Tool 2.0 is one of the most unique gifts you can give this holiday season. Plus, they’ll actually use it, unlike the random thing you probably have in your Amazon cart right now. This tool is a stretchy band that they can wear around their wrist, turn into a make-shift sternum strap, wrap around cables or clothing to compress and organize it, a way to hang onto a ton of grocery bags at once, and many more functional uses. Plus, they can get various studs, some of which are handy for holding things like the hook and others that are for show while their wearing it. Some of them glow in the dark, which is fun, too.
Why we like it: It has a patina on the exterior but has modern organizational details on the interior
The Roaring Fire Smolder Waxed Canvas Organizer Pouch might look like it was made a few decades ago, but it’s a solid way to stow modern gear and tools, no matter where they’re taking it. To personalize this gift, get a hook-and-loop fastener patch to attach to the front. Or, leave it blank, as it looks mysterious without a patch. They can attach the pouch to different gear and their belt or toss it inside their daypack or travel backpack. There’s ample organization to stow cables, small tools, and other tech items inside. For folks with lots of small tech, tools, or toiletries, this pouch will wrangle all of those and look rad while doing it.
Why we like it: It looks unique and has good sound quality at most volumes
We like the MUZEN Wild Go Bluetooth Speaker because it has good sound quality for the price and is one of the most unique Bluetooth speakers we’ve seen to date. It reminds us of an old-school jukebox and has analog buttons and knobs, which we dig. It’s small enough to fit into their pocket, sling, or tech pouch. At high volumes, the sound quality is iffy; however, for most of the range, it performs well, especially for its size. If you’re shopping for an audiophile who loves unique gadgets, this is the gift for them.
Why we like it: It functions as a standard carabiner but locks when needed
The Matador BetaLock is one of the most capable carabiners on the market and is essential for travelers who want a simple way to lock up accessories. It works like an everyday carabiner; however, it comes with a key to lock it in place, so nobody without it can unlock and take the carabiner or whatever they have attached to it. Whether you’re shopping for someone with a bunch of gear hanging off their bag or who recently got into collecting HitClips, the Matador BetaLock is a great way to ensure their gear doesn’t get lost.
Why we like it: It's tiny, budget-friendly, and usable for various gear types
Seriously, can you ever have enough little pouches? Here at Pack Hacker, we think one key to staying organized is ensuring that everything has a home, and the Flowfold Essentialist Mini Pouch does just that. It can be used as a wallet, mini tech pouch, daily storage for small gear, or a combination of the three. Plus, it comes in multiple colorways, so you can get your giftee something that matches their vibe or is easy to see inside their pack. From Red to Heather Grey, there’s something for everyone.
Why we like it: It's tiny and lightweight for a 10,000 mAh battery bank
The NITECORE Carbo 10000 Power Bank is a tiny battery bank with enough juice to last all day, whether exploring a new city or commuting to work by train. It has two ports so that they can juice up their phone and Nintendo Switch simultaneously, and the carbon fiber frame is durable enough to take a beating. Plus, the edges are rounded off, so it’s comfortable to hold onto for extended periods, making it a solid bet as a gift for someone who never puts their phone down. With a 10,000 mAh battery, this will work for most users.
Why we like it: It's a simple design but looks sleek and stylish
The Orbitkey Clip Mini combines a keyring and a carabiner, which is handy for folks who like a way to attach their keys to their bag, belt loop, sling, or other loopable item. It’s crafted from zinc alloy, which looks sleek. We haven’t had any issues with the carabiner popping open or the jump ring losing keys, which is a solid bet for urban commuters that cover a lot of ground; however, larger keys are a struggle with the jump ring, so they might need something more nimble for specific keys. Still, this is a great shout for anyone looking to simplify their carry.
Why we like it: It fits into the palm of your hand and can throw light up to 300 meters
We’ve all got that friend or family member (why is it always an uncle?) who loves flashlights. The Lumintop GT Nano is the perfect gift for any flashlight-loving person in your life and an even better starting point for somebody just getting into the complicated world that is lighting. Though it only boasts 450 Lumens, the design of this model allows for a throw of up to 300 meters, which is nearly three American football fields. Plus, this light fits into the palm of your hand. The battery is a bit wonky to charge; however, it’s well worth the compromise for the brightness and throw.
Why we like it: For the price, it's incredibly bright
The NITECORE TIKI could be described as a casual flashlight; however, that doesn’t mean it isn’t useful. The light boasts 300 lumens, a USB-C charging port, and extra settings, like UV light and moonlight modes, packed into a model that fits into the palm of their hand. It has an attached clip, making it easy to attach to their keys or the admin panel inside their backpack. The light has an IP66 rating, so they don’t have to worry about rain or spills. If you’re shopping for someone who wants to upgrade from their phone flashlight, look no further than the NITECORE TIKI.
Why we like it: It's the most unique wallet that we've tested and works well for visual people
The New Things Lab MEMO Whiteboard Wallet is likely the most unique wallet they’ve ever seen. Yes, it holds their cards and ID. No, it can’t hold cash or keys. However, it features a large whiteboard to jot down notes and ideas or doodle on the commute to and from work or while in a boring work meeting. For people who like physical media, this makes for a great gift. The exterior is 6063 aluminum, which is durable, so their cards (and ideas) stay safe inside. The MEMO Whiteboard Wallet is a great shout for a unique gift your giftee likely has never heard of.
Why we like it: It's small when not in use but feels like a regular pen when engaged
There are a lot of solid pens out there; however, a good pen for everyday carry or travel has more strict prerequisites. First, it has to be small. Second, it needs to work. Third … er, that’s really it. The Fisher Space Pen Backpacker Space Pen is small when not in use, has a jump ring to make it easy to bring along for the ride, and is the size of a standard pen when they attach the cap to the back end. This makes it both small and enables it to function like a standard pen. What else can you ask for? Well, this pen is designed to work in zero gravity, and NASA uses it. Whether you’re shopping for the astronaut in your life or somebody who likes to jot down grocery lists, The Space Pen is a solid bet.
Why we like it: They can charge almost any configuration imaginable with a cable less than three inches long
The Rolling Square inCharge X is one of the most dynamic charging cables in the world, and it’s less than three inches long. Essentially, it’s a USB-C to USB-C cable with adaptable ends, ensuring they can go from USB-C and USB-A to Micro-USB, USB-C, Lightning, and vice versa. The cable also has magnets on the ends so they can fold it onto itself for safekeeping. The cable supports up to 100-watt charging when using the USB-C ends, which will charge most laptops at full blast. Plus, the cable is durable, so it’ll last. It isn’t an ideal gift for people who love 6-foot charging cables; however, it is handy in a pinch.
Why we like it: It fits inside most wallets and is budget-friendly
We all have that friend or family member who is constantly losing their wallet. Time to head out for the night or to go to the family get-together? Oof, they lost their wallet again, and the whole family has to look before you’re late. Not anymore! Enter the Tile Slim Tracker. It easily fits into most wallets and will allow them to track it no matter where it gets lost. If it were to get lost in the middle of the woods with no Bluetooth devices, it wouldn’t work, but how often does that happen? The battery isn’t replaceable; however, it lasts up to three years, which isn’t bad considering the device’s sub-$30 price tag. Plus, it can be considered a gift for the whole family. Nobody likes to be late!
So, there you have it! Some of the best EDC gifts for the everyday carry junkie in your life. Hopefully, by this point, you have a few items that’ll keep them busy for a while. Happy shopping!
